Laconia-----Robert H. Wilkinson, Jr., 66, of 226 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H., died as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Monday, April 30, 2012.
Bob was born July 25, 1945 in Laconia, NH, the son of Rita and Robert H. Wilkinson, Sr.
Bob was a longtime resident of Laconia/Gilford and a 1964 graduate of Laconia High School. He earned a B.S. Degree from the University of Maine, Orono in 1969 and served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was owner of Yankee Energy Services for many years.
Survivors include his wife of forty-six years, Marjory Craver Wilkinson, of Laconia; a daughter, Sara W. Staples; two sons, Scott Wilkinson and Collin Wilkinson; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Sherry Wilkinson, of Clarksville, Tenn.
Bob was an artist at heart and allowed his explorations in mediums to grow as he became older. He delved into wood working, masonry and sculpture. His creations took the form of tree and bird houses, outdoor pizza ovens, and drift wood art. Bob also had a playful side which he shared with all. He kept his grandchildren in stitches running around in rubber ducky boxers, serving pancake breakfasts in a gorilla costume, and setting booby traps around the house covering kids in confetti. Bob also enjoyed fly tying and fishing and spent much of his reflective time on the rivers around America.
“Time is but the stream to go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away, but the eternity remains.” Henry David Thoreau
Perhaps most subtly, but most admirable was that Bob was a giving man. Someone in need of a smile might find a plate of Greek meatballs or grape leaves at their door. Those in need of work would find an open door at Bob’s construction company. He believed in the goodness of the human spirit.
There will be no calling hours.
A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:00AM at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, N.H.
For those who wish, the family suggests donations be made to the Gunstock Ski Club PO Box 222, Laconia, NH 03247 in memory of Bob Wilkinson.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information about the service and to view the online memorial, visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.